SKF’s TraX Monitor
26/04/2024
SKF claims it is pushing the boundaries of automotive safety with its latest breakthrough: the TraX Wheel End Monitor.
This cutting-edge device is transforming vehicle maintenance, offering drivers real-time protection against the often unpredictable hazards of the road by tracking wheel bearing vibrations and temperatures with unmatched accuracy. This upgrade is the result of active customer engagement, ensuring that the solution not only meets but exceeds the current market expectations.
Chris Hayes, SKF’s Automotive Product Manager, and Andy Hicks, Business Manager Vehicle Service, together offer an impressive 35 years of industry experience. They have seen firsthand the critical importance of diligent wheel end maintenance.
“There have been high-risk scenarios in the past, with petrol tankers in particular, that could have resulted in dangerous circumstances, had it not been for effective wheel end monitoring through SKF solutions,” they shared, highlighting the significance of the TraX Wheel End Monitor in preventing potential hazards.
As part of SKF’s commitment to providing the best solutions to its customers, several trials have been conducted over the last 12 months in harsh conditions, both on- and off-road. The TraX has been rigorously tested on a multitude of axle configurations, including various standard taper roller bearing arrangements as well as the unitised bearings.
Originally created to tackle vibration issues in unitised bearings, the TraX Wheel End Monitor has been enhanced with additional features to improve its functionality and user experience.
“For example, we incorporated temperature monitoring into this new version, but also kept it user-friendly,” Chris elaborated. “The product is bolted between two wheel studs and set with a magnet and it starts to monitor the bearings for possible faults that could arise straight away once the vehicle is in motion.”
Andy emphasised the economic benefits of the TraX system, pointing out the reduced cost of ownership due to the absence of a need for preventative wheel bearing replacements.
“This makes it the most economical retrofittable solution for wheel end monitoring,” Andy noted. “The TraX Wheel End Monitor is also unique compared with other products on the market because, as far as we are aware, we are the only ones offering the bearing monitoring.”
He continued: “Others have sensors that will do tyre pressure and temperature, whereas our solution offers monitoring of the wheel end for vibration and temperature and can be reset once potential issues have been addressed.”
Looking ahead, SKF is not resting on its laurels. It is actively developing further enhancements for the TraX Wheel End Monitor, including Bluetooth connectivity and integrated telematics, to align with global technological trends and specific customer requirements. The timing of these releases will align with market demand, underscoring SKF’s customer-centric approach.
Both managers emphasised their commitment to progressive development, driven by genuine user engagement.
“Customer feedback is core to our research and development. We are continually striving to improve,” said Chris, reaffirming the company’s dedication to innovation.
